Sullivan is also a community activist who serves on the park’s volunteer advisory council. She’s floated the idea of creating the canine conclave in the northwest corner of the park, which could cost upward of $150,000.

The city's other dog-friendly areas contain features like drinking fountains and separate areas for shy dogs. The preliminary plans for Palmisano park would be no different. The project would call for a reconfiguration of plumbing, tearing up some land and the installation of tougher fencing.